Research Update: The Latest Brain Tumor Research Studies

Two separate research studies provided significant findings related to the benefit of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain tumor treatment. Findings from the studies conducted separately by the American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) and researchers at the University of North Carolina, were released in 2013.

Research contained in the first study, announced by the American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), indicated that adult cancer patients, under the age of 50 who had a limited number of brain metastases have improved overall survival rates after SRS treatment alone when not combined with whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT). Although the optimal treatment for brain metastases is currently unknown, the research may have determined if SRS has a therapeutic advantage over WBRT for patients with the disease.

Researchers from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine conducted a separate study on 52 patients with metastatic brain tumors and found that patient response to treatment with SRS within the first six-to-twelve weeks can indicate whether continuous monitoring after treatment is necessary. The study may have determined a reduced need for monitoring in patients who respond well to SRS.

Click here to read more about the ASTRO study. And to read more about the North Carolina School of Medicine study, click here.

This is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your health care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed decisions, together with your doctor.